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B'SIDES THEMSELVESMarillionNeo-Prog3.52 | 240 ratings |
From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website
chessman
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Prog Reviewer |
Personally, I rate this one of their best albums! Yes, I know it is all B sides and extras, but
the strength of the material is such that this could have been a stand alone album all by
itself. I make no apologies for saying 'Grendel' is my favourite Marillion track. Yes, I know it
smacks of plagiarism, and most critics knock it mercilessly for the rather large Genesis
influence on display here, but, for me, that only enhances its qualities. Genesis were, and
still are, my favourite band, and this, which could have been a follow up to 'Supper's
Ready' is better than anything Phil's band were doing at the time. If Genesis had never
existed, this would be regarded as a classic of prog rock. It has everything, a rivetting
story line and vocal performance, superb keyboards, guitar work that surfaces to great
effect at the right time, varied movements and an excellent melody. I also have the
remastered two disc version of 'Script' which contains a slightly different, and longer
version of 'Grendel'. That too is good, but this definitive version is better, especially the
wonderfully atmospheric guitar ending. Also on here are such gems as 'Charting The Single'
a B side which is, although simplistic and lightweight, again for me, memorable. Very
catchy. 'Cinderella Search' is another excellent piece, as is 'Three Boats Down From The
Candy'. 'Lady Nina' is another wonderful piece, with a superbly melodic solo from Mr
Rothery in the middle of it. 'Tux On' is more restrained, but builds menacingly. Ironically,
the hit single, 'Market Square Heroes' whilst being adequate, is one of the weaker pieces
here, as is 'Freaks' and the live 'Margaret', ending the disc. Nevertheless, none of the
material is really weak, and it shows the world what the band lost when Fish left. For me,
only 'Script' and 'Clutching At Straws' are better albums. An essential 'bonus' disc, that
should be treated as a serious album.
chessman |
4/5 |
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